A lack of knowledge about the dangers surrounding dog bites and rabies resulted in the death of a two-year-old boy last month.

Nkosinathi Mzimela was bitten by a dog while playing near the community standpipe near his home in the Thafeni area of Upper Tongaat.

According to his sister, Fikile, their mom was out asking for food when the incident occurred.

“After he was bitten by the dog, neighbours cleaned his wound with spirits and killed the dog,” said Fikile.

She said no one thought he had been infected as he showed no signs of pain or illness and just continued playing.

Fikile Mzimela said she will miss her brother.It was only 14 days later, when he began experiencing symptoms of the deadly virus, that he was taken to hospital.

Tragically it was too late, as he died in hospital only one day later.

Resident Bafana Khumalo said they were very shocked by the death of Nkosinathi.

He said most of the dogs are not vaccinated in their area.

“If I am not mistaken, it has probably been two years since our dogs have been vaccinated, but it is the first time someone from our community has died from rabies,” said Khumalo.

Director veterinary services from the Department of Agriculture, Dr Themba Skhakhane warned residents that every dog bite should be treated as a matter of urgency and the patient must get to the nearest clinic as soon possible.

“If you have ever seen someone infected with rabies, you would agree that it is a horrible way to die. “It is very sad that a two-year-old had to die in this manner, when it could have been avoided,” said Skhakhane.

He said as from early as next week, the department would start a campaign to vaccinate all dogs in Ndwedwe and surrounding areas in KZN.

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